Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable People Handbook

SECTION ONE ST JOHN SA’S COMMITMENT

1.1 Aims: The safeguarding children and vulnerable standards and guidelines aim to enable members of St John Ambulance South Australia to carry out their responsibilities in ensuring safe environments for children and vulnerable persons engaging in St John services or activities. They also aim to assist members in establishing a safer environment for children and vulnerable persons for whom they have a duty of care, other adults and the members themselves.

1.2 Guiding Principles: St John Ambulance Australia SA is committed to best practice standards in protecting Members, children and vulnerable persons from any form of assault or abuse during their involvement with St John SA. We will take all allegations of assault and abuse seriously, and will act with authorities to ensure matters are heard and appropriately dealt with. Children and vulnerable persons have the right to be: Free from emotional and physical danger, exploitation, abuse and neglect and feel safe in the activities and services that they access Listened to and heard Valued and treated as individuals Involved in decisions, where appropriate Respected for their individuality and identity. In establishing policies, process and practices St John SA will be guided by the following: A zero tolerance approach to assaults and abuse will be adopted A supportive environment will be established for people affected by or reporting assault or abuse Members will be supported to develop understanding and skills to keep themselves and others safe Reports of, or, suspected criminal assault will be reported promptly to the police Incidents will be promptly and thoroughly investigated, but not so as to interfere with police investigations Action will be taken against any Member who fails to meet standards set All reports, investigations and actions will be managed in the strictest confidence and will be properly documented. All reasonable action to prevent abuse and minimise the risk of it occurring will be taken All Members are expected to uphold the standards set

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Member Handbook July 2016 St John Ambulance SA Inc